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REVEALED: Rodgers' message of support to Lambert prior to £4m Liverpool move
BRENDAN RODGERS is closing in on a surprise deal to bring Southampton star Rickie Lambert to Liverpool.
Rodgers is set to add Lambert to his England contingent at Anfield this summer, with five Reds already in England's World Cup squad.
Express Sport understands Liverpool have lodged a £4million plus add-ons offer, with Saints pair Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren also on their hitlist.
And while the move for Lambert has come out of the blue, Kop boss Rodgers has been in close contact with the 32-year-old this season.
After his England debut last August - when Lambert scored on his first touch against Scotland - Rodgers sent the boyhood Liverpool fan a message of congratulations.
"I have been a big admirer of Rickie," Rodgers said. "I sent him a fax when he made his England debut as I know he is a big Red.
"I sent it on behalf of the club and all Kopites. He is a Kirkby boy and I was just wishing him well, saying we were all proud of him playing for England."